Versatile palletized work holding system

ABSTRACT

A versatile palletized system provides for work to be held in place even while a top plate ( 7 ) as one type of workholder web is transferred. Movement can be provided by a coordinated topographically fixed movement web ( 39 ) which may have hydraulic pistons or other movement mechanisms ( 11 ) which cause actuation of a great variety of workholder devices ( 8 ) which may be attached to the workholder web ( 7 ). Accurate, repeatable positioning between the two webs can be accomplished for quick changeout and even configuration as a rotatable pallet system where one pallet can be set up while the other is being used.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Generally, this invention relates to a system of work holdingthat allows for holding either single or multiple parts that can beloaded and unloaded outside of the work environment, secured andreleased automatically, and changed over to accommodate a different kindof part in a quick, accurate, and efficient manner. These inventionsalso address techniques and methods of holding parts for manufacturingon a machining center.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the desire to increase production, quality andcompetitiveness, people have sought many means to hold a part or partsso that it can be machined accurately and quickly. Most of the time theindustry uses a vice, collets, chucks, over center clamping or customdesigned fixtures. While these devices have been developed to hold partssecurely and accurately, loading only one part at a time often severelylimits machine and operator efficiency.

[0003] Perhaps one of the significant problems that faced in this fieldis the fact that CNC machining is a relatively new field and though somework has been done in the field of fourth axis work holding, relativelylittle has been done in work holding in horizontal or vertical machiningcenters. In an effort to increase operator and machine efficiency, thosein the field often secure multiple collets, vices, over center lockingsystems and a variety of other devices to the machining table to holdmultiple parts. While this approach may provide some improvement, theloading and unloading of parts is usually done with the machine turnedoff and therefore limits efficiency for both the machine and for theoperator.

[0004] A pallet system is sometimes used. Multiple holding devices aresometimes secured to two pallets in an identical manner allowing partsto be loaded on one pallet outside of the work environment while theparts on the other pallet are being machined. This method may improveefficiency to some degree but problems of efficiency remain. This methodoften requires manual tightening or releasing of multiple screws orother mechanical devices. This can be time consuming and inefficient forthe operator. It can also lead to physical stress and carpal tunnelconcerns which also negatively impact efficiency. On some jobs, theloading and unloading of the parts may take longer than the machinecycle time. The machine would then be waiting for the operator andtherefore not operating as efficiently as possible. These holdingdevices can also tend to be oversized and bulky limiting the number ofthem that fit into the work area and thereby limiting the number ofparts that can be loaded at a particular time. Change over from one partto another can also be time consuming.

[0005] In addition to these efficiency problems, this pallet approachcan create other problems. When vices are used, accuracy may be hard tomaintain due to inherent problems with vices. The security of the partmay be an issue if the size of the part varies and you are holding morethan one part; one or more parts may be loose when the others are tight.When custom jaws are used the cost may be high and accuracy can still bean issue with duplication for multiple holding devices and multiplepallets.

[0006] Attempts to solve problems in this field include U.S. Pat. No.3,632,122. This device utilizes hydraulic pressure to clamp parts incollets and releases them when the pressure is removed. This inventionsolves some of the accuracy and security problems stated above. If twoof these units were bolted to two pallets in a pallet system, many ofthe problems of efficiency stated above could be solved. One type ofproblem with this device, which is solved by the current invention, isthe very limited scope of its application; it is very limited in thesize and shape of the parts that it can hold, the angles at which it canhold them, and the number of parts it can hold at a time. From someperspectives, this device can hold a very limited diameter and shape ofparts—only those parts that can be held in the particular collets builtinto the system (3C, 5C, etc.). The part may also need to be a certainlength. If it is too long, the device may not work at all or quality maybe negatively impacted. It is not fully adaptable for other applicationssuch as clamping by pushing, pulling for sideways movement, clamping in“V” blocks, or many other methods of holding. This device is also verylimited when holding parts in the horizontal plane and doing cross workbecause of the distance from the top of the fixture to the centerline ofthe collet. This distance can require excessively long tooling orextension of the part a significant distance from the collet, either ofwhich may impact rigidity and accuracy. In some situations, the bottomrow cannot be accessed to do cross work because the top row is in theway. This can significantly limit the number of parts that can bemachined per cycle. The device can also be limited to holding partsvertically or horizontally and may not be efficiently machined in otherplanes.

[0007] In an effort to overcome some of these limitations, some peoplecreate custom fixtures to hold the parts they manufacture. They utilizecollets, vices, over center clamping and a variety of other devices.More recently, modular hydraulic devices have become available toautomate the clamping and unclamping. This approach does solve some ofthe problems but it may also create problems. One problem is the timerequired to create custom holding devices. The excessive time requiredoften does not meet the demands of a quick response marketplace. Themanufacturer is therefore often faced with the choice of inefficient andexpensive setup or inefficient and expensive run time. Another problemis that run efficiency can be rather limited. Custom fixtures areusually bulky limiting the number of parts that will fit in the workarea and therefore the number that can be loaded at a time. Self-madefixtures also tend to be inaccurate affecting quality and also creatinginefficiencies. Many fixtures use mechanical clamping which can meantightening screws or over center clamps. This can be time consuming andlabor intensive. Efficiencies are also lost due to operator fatigue. Inaddition, often the parts are not held securely creating quality, reworkand safety issues. Screws, which are often used in holding parts, cantend to mar the part or collapse a thin walled part affecting qualityand therefore affecting efficiencies. Unless two identical fixtures aremade, the parts can need to be loaded and unloaded in the work area sothe load time can be slow and labor intensive and therefore machine downtime can be lengthy. When two identical fixtures are made and onescrapped out, you often need to make both over again to get theprecision needed. Sometimes the design doesn't work as planned. Theinitial cost of custom fixture making can be high because it can requiresignificant amounts of time from highly skilled design personnel. It canalso require expensive materials and services since the materials areusually purchased in small quantities and the special services arepreformed in small quantities (heat treating, anodizing, grinding,etc.). The on-going costs can also be high. As mentioned, fixtures areoften designed and built for a specific part. When a new fixture isdesired for a different part it can become necessary to start overagain. Fixtures may tend to become similar but are often notinterchangeable; they are not easily adaptable to other parts. Theyoften become obsolete because of minor print changes or need majorrework. The cost of starting over is, of course, very high. Theinventory of fixtures can become extensive, taking up large amounts ofshelf space. They can be expensive to maintain especially if they arelost and damaged.

[0008] As to both the application to the CNC machining center and tomachining in general, the present invention discloses techniques thatovercome virtually every one of the previous problems in a practicalfashion. It provides to the manufacturing industry the opportunity tosignificantly improve both setup and run time efficiencies, reduceoperator fatigue and carpel tunnel concerns, and maintain or improvequality and safety.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0009] The present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may beselected in different combinations based upon the particular applicationor needs to be addressed. In one basic form, the inventions provide apallet or a palletized system, that is a removable or detachablespatially fixed configuration for a work holder system. The part of thesystem serving as a lower pallet may be configured perhaps as oneembodiment as a hydraulic plate that may contain multiple bidirectionalhydraulic cylinders (80, for example) that are contained within thehydraulic plate and can be plumbed internally. A variety of top platescan be easily attached/detached to a hydraulic plate or other movementmechanism. It can later be removed or detached and replaced with adifferent top plate. The top plate may have a variety of holding devicesattached to it that are mechanically linked to the hydraulic cylindersin the hydraulic plate. In one embodiment, these three objects, thehydraulic plate, the detachable top plate and the holding devices, cantogether form a hydraulic pallet. The preferred system could eveninclude two identical hydraulic pallets. One pallet could be secured tothe machining table where the parts could be machined while the otherpallet is on an exchange table where the parts could be unloaded and newparts loaded. The pallets could then be exchanged starting the processagain. When the hydraulic pallet is on the exchange table it could beattached to peripheral hydraulic components allowing for the plate torelease the hydraulic pressure that could release the parts and thenapply pressure to lock the new parts in place.

[0010] One of the broad goals of the invention is to provide a workholding system that can have the capability of holding most any partsecurely, carefully and accurately. Thus, one goal is that the inventionwill securely hold the parts to be machined. When holding multipleparts, the hydraulic pressure can compensate for tolerance ranges on theholding dimension since each position can be actuated independently. Thehydraulic pressure can be adjusted to provide appropriate pressure tohold the part securely. Another goal is that the part may be heldcarefully so as not to damage it in any way. The ability to adjust thehydraulic pressure again provides a means to accomplish this goal.Another goal of the invention is that all of the parts can be held withappropriate accuracy. The system can provide for accurately assuringrepeatedly precise positioning of the pallet by using attachmentelements which may have a fixed relationship to the detachableworkholder web type of pallet. The system can also provide foraccomplishing a single positioning operation for placing or evenremoving the detachable workholder web. Through this design, the systemmay provide for accurate locating of the holding devices to the topplate, the top plates to the hydraulic plates, and the hydraulic plateto the machining table. The system can also allow for V blocks or otherdevices to be machined after being attached to the hydraulic pallet andloaded on a particular machine, thereby compensating for theirregularities of that machine. It may provide for detachablypositioning the pallet element with little risk of misalignment.

[0011] Another broad goal of the system is to accommodate clamping oneor large numbers (even 200 plus) of parts at a time. One aspect of theinvention holding system is that it can provide the means to hold justone part at a time. On the other end of the spectrum the invention canprovide for holding a large number of parts. These may be identicalparts, families of parts, or a variety of different parts.

[0012] Another broad goal of the invention's system is to allow for theease, efficiency and safety of loading and unloading parts outside ofthe work environment. It is a goal of the system to diminish operatorfatigue by allowing the operator to load and unload the parts from apallet outside of the work environment avoiding the fatigue such ascaused by leaning into the machine to load and unload parts. Anothergoal of the invention is to increase efficiencies by allowing for one ofthe pallets to be loaded off site while the parts on another pallet arebeing machined and then quickly rotating the pallets thus minimizingdown time between cycles. Depending on the length of cycle time perunit, the operator may be available to perform other duties. Anotherobject of the invention's system is to provide greater safety for theoperator by keeping him/her out of harms way from the machine beingaccidentally started, thus reducing possible injury. Similarly, a goalof the invention's system is to protect the operator from theenvironment of cutting fluids sprayed inside of the machine or the likeby minimizing the time that the operator is in the work environment.

[0013] Another broad goal of the invention's system is to improveoperator efficiency by providing for the simultaneous, automaticclamping and releasing of all parts if desired. One goal of the systemcan be to improve the efficiency of the operator by providing automaticand nearly instantaneous locking and unlocking of the parts. A furthergoal of the invention can be the ability to lock or release partseasily, allowing the invention's system to do the more strenuous work ofclamping or holding the work piece securely or releasing it completelyallowing for easy removal. A related goal of the system can be toeliminate the problem of carpel tunnel that can be caused by therepetitive mechanical clamping and unclamping of parts on a pallet. Arelated goal of the system can be to improve operator efficiency bypreventing the holding device from sticking by providing a positive andsuitable force to release the holding mechanisms.

[0014] Another broad goal of the inventions can be to accommodatemultiple methods of holding which is suitable to most any part. One goalof the invention can be its adaptability to different sizes, shapes andquantities of parts. A related goal of the invention is that parts maybe held by, but not limited to, pushing or pulling, clamping, expanding,or contracting. Still another goal of the invention's system can be thatit may clamp or hold parts externally. By holding the outside of thepart, the inside or a desired surface of the part can be accessible formachining. In keeping with the prior goal of the invention's system, itmay also clamp or hold parts internally allowing machining on theoutside or desired surface of the part. Yet another goal of theinvention's system can be that it will hold parts, but is not limitedto, in an all vertical or all horizontal positions or it may be acombination of both or any position. Another goal of the inventionssystems can be that is has the capability of holding parts by means of asideways motion, swing motion, turning motion, teetering motion, overcenter motion, lever motioning, pushing motion, pulling motion, or anyother motions.

[0015] Another broad goal of the invention can be to provide for quicksetup changeover from one type of part to another. One goal of theinvention system can be that it may allow for multiple parts to be setup on the pallets at a time allowing for nearly instantaneous changeoverfrom one part to another. Another similar goal can be that sincedifferent types of parts may be held or clamped on the same pallet andshare tooling, one work center can supply multiple production cells withparts as needed. Yet another goal of the invention is quick changeoverto a previously run part. The operator may set the tooling for a givenpart to a fixed datum point and document the tooling requirements. Whenat a later time the part is to be set up again, since the part'sposition has been previously established, setup time can be minimized.Yet another goal of the system can be that with its modular holdingdevices a new part can be set up in minimum time. Another broad goal ofthe system can be to keep the pallet independent of the hydraulic powerpack while it is in the work environment, thus making the system moreefficient and economical. A goal of the system can be to be able tocharge the hydraulic plate with the hydraulic power pack while it isoutside of the work environment and then disconnect it from the powerpack allowing for easier and faster removal and exchange of the twopallets. A related goal can be to minimize wear and tear on thehydraulic power pack and the hydraulic lines by keeping them out of thework environment.

[0016] Another broad goal of the system can be that it may allow aperson with only average skill to set up complex holding systems due tothe modular holding devices. Another broad goal of the system can bethat it may allow for developing custom holding fixtures quickly andefficiently. The power to operate custom holding devices and the meansto locate and fasten the device may be integral to the system andtherefore much of the work necessary in developing custom fixture isalready done.

[0017] One of the broadest objects of the invention can be to provide acomplete system for work holding; it can provide a work holding systemthat will have the capability of holding most any part securely,carefully and accurately; and it may accommodate clamping one or largenumbers of parts; it may provide the opportunity to load and unloadparts outside of the work environment; it may provide simultaneous,automatic clamping of all parts; it may accommodate multiple methods ofholding suitable to most any part; it may provide for quick setupchangeover from one type of part to another; and it may allow fordeveloping custom fixture holding quickly and efficiently. While some ofthese individual goals have obviously been achieved in other manners, agoal of the present invention is to achieve them all in one system andthereby provide the opportunity for much greater utility and efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a drawing of one embodiment of the hydraulic holdingsystem in a machining center with one pallet loaded with parts in themachining environment and another pallet on the transfer table.

[0019]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the top plate,hydraulic plate, manifold and accessory block.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment of the hydraulic plate andthe main hydraulic components.

[0021]FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of one embodiment of the twoplates showing the component parts of the hydraulic plate and theirrelationship to the top plate and its components.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a drawing of one embodiment of the accessory block withits component parts.

[0023]FIG. 6 is a drawing of one embodiment of a modular top plate thatallows for securing a wide variety of holding devices.

[0024]FIG. 7 is a drawing of one embodiment of a top plate (custom ormodular) mounted with various holding devices.

[0025]FIG. 8 is a drawing of one embodiment of a custom top plate thatshows only a few of the hydraulic piston linkages being used to clamptwo rows of parts.

[0026]FIG. 9 is a drawing of one embodiment of a custom top plate thatshows a few of the hydraulic piston linkages being used to clamp oneirregular part.

[0027]FIG. 10 is a drawing of one embodiment of a modular V blockattached to a modular top plate and also shows its relationship to thecomponents of the hydraulic plate.

[0028]FIG. 11 is an exploded cross sectional view of one embodiment of amodular 3C/5C collet showing its component parts and their relationshipto the component parts of the top plate and the hydraulic plate.

[0029]FIG. 12 is a drawing of an assembled cross sectional view of FIG.11.

[0030]FIG. 13 is an exploded cross sectional view of one embodiment of amodular collet housing cross-hole holding device showing its componentparts and their relationship to the component parts of the top plate andthe hydraulic plate.

[0031]FIG. 14 is a drawing of an assembled cross sectional view of FIG.13.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0032] As mentioned above and as can be seen from the drawings, thepresent invention is a work holding system that may be embodied in manydifferent forms to meet specific work holding requirements.

[0033] The main components of a preferred embodiment of the system mayinclude two hydraulic pallets and peripheral hydraulic components. Inthis embodiment the source of power to accomplish the desired results isapplied through a hydraulic system or a hydraulic power source. Thus, inthis embodiment and the following discussion, the system achieves amethod which involves the step of hydraulically powering the appropriatedevices. Naturally other power sources should be understood as possible,including but not limited to an electric power source so that the systemachieves a method which involves the step of electrically powering theappropriate devices.

[0034]FIG. 1 illustrates the hydraulic embodiment and one type ofcomponents and how they may be used in a machining center. In thisillustration, one hydraulic pallet (1(A)) may be locked to a palletreceiver on the table of a machining center that is full of parts thatare hydraulically locked in place and are ready to be machined. A secondhydraulic pallet (1(B)) is shown on the transfer table (2) (or moregenerally, a separate detachable workholder web coordinated transferelement) and may be connected by means of quick disconnects (3) andhoses (4) to a remote mounted control valve (5) and hydraulic power packor power source (6), more generically a power source. In thisconfiguration the operator could start the machine working on the partson the machining center table and release, unload, reload and lock theparts on the pallet on the transfer table. To release the parts on thetransfer table the operator could connect the hydraulic quickdisconnects (3) and position the remote mounted control valve (5) in theappropriate position. This could both relieve the hydraulic pressureholding the parts in place and provide positive hydraulic pressure toopen the holding device preventing the device from sticking in theclosed position. The parts could then be quickly and easily unloaded andnew parts loaded onto the pallet. The new parts could then be locked inplace by properly positioning the remote mounted control valve causingpositive hydraulic pressure to lock each part in place. The hydraulichoses could then be removed and the parts could remain locked. When themachining is done, the two pallets could then be exchanged starting theentire process again.

[0035] In general, the hydraulic pallet may serve as a topographicallyfixed movement web (39)

[0036] which is responsive to some source of power. As such, the web mayprovide fixed locations at which movement may occur or be generated. Itmay be configured as a multi-site movement web and may even beconfigured as a movement site matrix which is largely a rectilinearlayout. In this design, the hydraulic pallet may have three maincomponents as can be seen in FIGS. 2 & 4: a hydraulic plate (9), adetachable top plate (7) and holding devices (8).

[0037] The hydraulic plate may have internal components, a bolt onmanifold (13) and a bolt on accessory block (15), all perhaps held bymount connections (14). Designs may thus serve as an integral powerdelivery web such that powering of a plurality of movement mechanismsintegral to the web may be accomplished. By fluidly connecting aplurality of movement mechanisms, perhaps through a fluid connectionelement such as the fluid paths (12) or (37 & 38), an interconnectedfluid path may be used to simplify the overall system. As shown this maybe accomplished through a fluid manifold, such as the hydraulic fluidmanifold shown. There may also be established an interconnecting of amultitude of fluid paths for several separate actions, of course.

[0038] By establishing at least two independent fluid manifolds, orperhaps at least two independent fluid paths, separate movements can beaccomplished. As shown, this may be by interconnecting a first fluidpath (37) and interconnecting a second fluid path (38). Each of thesemay be as simple as two opposite direction fluid manifolds (e.g., clampand unclamp).

[0039] The internal components can include any type of movementmechanisms. As mentioned, these may be fixed relative to atopographically fixed movement web. These movement mechanisms canactuate the workholder devices as may be contained on a detachableworkholder web such as the top plate (7). These movement mechanisms mayalso be bi-directional movement mechanisms, such as bi-directionalhydraulic movement mechanisms. As but one example, the figures show themovement mechanisms as hydraulic cylinders (10) and also bi-directionalhydraulic pistons (11) and porting (12) or a fluid path. As can be seenin the FIG. 4, hydraulic pressure can be directed to enter the cylinderabove or below the piston driving it in the desired direction. This maybe accomplished through a first and a second fluid path (37 & 38) asshown. The hydraulic pressure can be plumbed to the cylinders throughports in the hydraulic plate (12).

[0040]FIGS. 2 & 3 show a hydraulic manifold (13) that ports the fluidfrom the accessory block (15) through the manifold to the hydraulicplate (9) to the hydraulic cylinders (10). In this embodiment themanifold is bolted on to the pallet but could be machined into thepallet itself as well. FIGS. 2 & 3 show the accessory block (15)attached to the hydraulic plate. The accessory block can receivehydraulic fluid through a quick disconnect (3), and can route the fluidthrough the accessory block components (explained below). The fluid mayexit the accessory block into the manifold (13) may pass through thehydraulic plate ports to the cylinders, may return through the ports tothe manifold, through the manifold to the accessory block and to theother quick disconnect.

[0041]FIG. 5 shows the components of an accessory block which includesone type of resettable direction element. It may be simply a removableelement, a removable block, or even a removable piston linkage. Asshown, the reversing block (21) can be a removable/exchangeable blockthat can determine the direction of the hydraulic flow. One block candirect the fluid in one direction and the other block in the oppositedirection. Reversing the flow can allow the accumulator and pilotoperated check valve to push and hold the piston in an appropriatedirection to lock the holding device by either pushing or alternately bypulling or otherwise—depending on the design of the holding device. Thiscould also be accomplished with a reversing valve or other reversingdevice. A position lock element (46) including items such as a checkvalve, perhaps the pilot operated check valve (22) can provide ahydraulic lock that, along with the accumulator, keeps the parts lockedin place on the pallet after the hydraulic power pack has beendisconnected. This can serve to retain one or more of the workholderdevices in a locked position even after the pallet has been removed fromthe movement web and positioned remote to it. To assure that the lockedposition is maintained, an embodiment can include a pressure monitor.The pressure gage (23) can provide a means for monitoring the pressurein the system to confirm that pressure remains adequate to securely holdthe parts while being machined. This gage could be replaced orsupplemented with a pressure flag or light if desired. The accumulator(24) can provide a reserve of hydraulic pressure that, along with thepilot operated check valve, can keep the parts locked in place on thepallet after the hydraulic power pack has been disconnected. Thus thesystem may include a hydraulic hold element. The quick disconnects (3)can provide a quick and easy way to connect and disconnect the hydrauliclines from the hydraulic plate. Such a quick disconnect coupling,perhaps a hydraulic quick disconnect coupling for a hydraulicembodiment, can permit faster change out of the pallet(s).

[0042] A second main component of the hydraulic pallet is the detachabletop plate. In general, the detachable top plate may serve as adetachable workholder web which may be responsive to the movementmechanisms responsive to the movement web. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 atop plate (7) can be attached to the hydraulic plate (9) and can providea base for mounting the holding devices. Precision location holes (FIG.4, #17) and pins (16) can provide accurate location between thehydraulic plate and the top plate and can provide for efficientattachment, removal and reattachment of another top plate to thehydraulic plate. As such they can serve as one type of topographicallyfixed location element to which both the topographically fixed movementweb and the detachable workholder web can be responsive. FIG. 4 alsoillustrates a piston linkage (18) that can either connect the piston tothe holding device or be removed allowing the piston to move up or downwithin the hydraulic plate but not interfere with the top plate or anydevice on the top plate. The top plate can be either a modular top plateor a custom top plate. It may be a workholder device site matrix, acustom workholder device site web, or a custom workholder device siteweb coordinated with an underlying site matrix. The modular top plate(shown in FIG. 6) can be a plate machined to provide maximum flexibilityand quick change over of various holding devices. The modular top platecan provide: threaded holes (25) for attaching holding devices; locationholes (26) for accurate location of holding devices, access holes (27)for the piston linkages (18) to all of the pistons (11). Custom topplates can be developed either by the manufacturer or by the consumer tomeet specific requirements (see, for example, FIGS. 7, 8 and 9). Eachcustom top plate can provide the precision location holes, pins, orattachment methods (as mentioned above) to provide accurate locationbetween the hydraulic plate and the top plate. The top of the custom topplate can be developed as necessary to meet the specific custom needseven in not all movement mechanisms are used. This can differ from themodular top plate in that it may only have the holes required for aparticular application and therefore may provide for locating customholding devices and/or fixturing at the specific location required. Itcan also provide a very clean surface that helps in chip removal.

[0043] As shown, it may be desirable for the top plate to be a movementweb-coordinated detachable workholder web so that it is coordinated withthe lower plate. As mentioned it may be a substantially 1:1 movementweb-coordinated detachable workholder web or not. There, of course, maybe a substantially 1:1 movement mechanism-coordinated plurality ofworkholder devices. By coordinating the detachable workholder web andthe topographically fixed movement web, efficiency can be achieved.

[0044] A third main component of the hydraulic pallet is the holdingdevice. The modular top plate can be designed to accommodate accurateand efficient attachment and replacement of a variety of holding devicesor workholder devices. These may be attached to the detachableworkholder web so they can retain at least one item in a fixed positionrelative to the detachable workholder web. The workholder devices may beresponsive to attachment elements (40) (either positively or responsivein some fashion) and, of course at least one of the movement mechanisms.As one example, FIG. 10 is an illustration of a modular V block modulethat can be attached to the modular top plate (7) and can accommodate(in this embodiment of 80 cylinders) 160 parts. The base of the V blockcan be bolted to the top plate and the V block top (29) can be pulleddown by the piston linkage bolt (30) that can be attached to the piston(11) that is in the hydraulic plate (9). FIGS. 11, 12, 13 & 14illustrate a modular collet system (U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/326,343 hereby incorporated by reference by these same inventors)that can accommodate standard collets (3C, 5C, etc.) for holding partsvertically, horizontally, or in any other plane.

[0045] Many other types of workholder devices can be used. Identicalworkholder devices may be used as well as having at least some differentworkholder devices. All may also be attached by a uniform workholderdevice mount. The great variety of workholder devices can include, butnot be limited to a collet, a strap, an edge device, a swing device, a Vblock, a custom clamp, a swing arm, an edge lock, an over center clamp,a modular collet housing, a collet housing, a cross-hole module, a Vblock module, a 3C clamp device, and a 5C clamp device. They may alsoinclude a push device, a pull device, an expansion device, a contractiondevice, an external holder device, an internal holder device, verticalposition holder device, a horizontal position holder device, a sidewaysmotion device, a swing motion device, a turning motion device, ateetering motion device, an over center motion device, a lever motiondevice, a pushing motion device, and a pulling motion device.

[0046]FIGS. 11 & 12 illustrate a vertical holding method. The collets(31) can be attached to the collet adapter linkage (32) that can beattached to the piston (11). The collet housing (33) can be attached tothe modular top plate (7) by means of a collar lock (34) utilizing thebolt pattern and access holes of the modular top plate. In thisembodiment (80 cylinders) 1 to 80 collets could be utilized at a time(the hole for cross hole clamping (35) is not used in this application).

[0047]FIGS. 13 & 14 illustrate a horizontal holding method utilizing thesame components as illustrated in FIGS. 11 & 12 except that the collet(31) is replaced with the cylindrical V stem (36). In this illustrationthe cylindrical V stem (36) can be attached to the collet adapter (32)that is attached to piston (11). This holding device could utilize thereversing block that could cause the hydraulic pressure to push thepiston up and lock it up. After the parts that are to be machined areplaced through the hole for cross hole clamping (35) in the collethousing, hydraulic pressure could be allowed to push the piston and thecylindrical V stem up until the part could come in contact with the topof the hole in the side of the collet housing (33) locking the parts inplace ready for machining. The hole for cross hole clamping could bemade at most any angle allowing for most holding in any plane fromvertical to horizontal and virtually everything in between. Swing armclamps, edge clamps, i.d. holding devices, o.d. holding devices, strapclamps and a variety of other devices can be attached either directly orthrough adapters to the modular top plate and connected to the pistonlinkage to provide a very comprehensive, flexible and efficient means ofwork holding.

[0048] In keeping with the broad goal of having a design that canprovide a secure, careful and accurate means of holding, the system canutilize hydraulic pressure to activate the holding devices. This canprovide secure and careful holding because the pressure can be adjustedto meet the need of the particular part—not too much pressure that mightcrush a hollow or fragile part, but high enough pressure when requiredfor parts that will receive heavy machining. The parts can also be heldsecurely because the hydraulic pressure can provide equal holding to allparts, even parts with different sizes or shapes. The pilot operatedcheck valve (22) and the accumulator (24) can maintain relativelyconstant pressure in the system even when the hydraulic lines aredisconnected providing secure holding. The pressure gage (23) canprovide the operator with a means for monitoring the system pressure andtherefore can confirm the holding security. The system can also providefor appropriate accuracy in holding. Accurate location holes (17) andcorresponding pins (17) between the hydraulic pallet and the top plate,and accurate location holes (25) on the modular top plate can provideprecise positioning and repeatability. When utilizing V blocks or othersimilar holding devices the bottom portion can be attached to the topplate (which can be mounted on the hydraulic plate and secured to themachining table) and then machined in place. FIG. 8 illustrates twopre-drilled strips of steel or aluminum or other material (8) that canbe attached to the custom top plate as but one type of workholderdevice. The “V”s or other pattern can be machined into the blocks whilethey are in place. This can increase accuracy by compensating for anyvariances in the specific machining table, machining mechanism (arm,ball screw, etc), hydraulic plate or top plate. The V block top (seeFIG. 10, #29) can then be attached.

[0049] In keeping with the broad goal of being able to clamp one or alarge numbers of parts (160 or even 200 plus) at a time, the system canhave a modular top plate (FIG. 6) which may be used to quickly andefficiently clamp one part by utilizing the appropriate holding device(collet, strap clamps, edge clamps, swing clamps, V blocks, customclamps, etc.) and the bolt and location holes to secure the holdingdevice to the top plate. A custom top plate may also be developed for aparticular part or family of parts (see the example illustrated in FIG.9). The piston linkage in the hydraulic plate can be removable (FIG. 4,#18) so the top plate can be machined to utilize only the cylinders thatare desired. The system can also efficiently clamp many parts at a time(160+in this illustration since there are 80 cylinders and the V block,for example, holds two parts per device, but the design is certainly notlimited to this number). A Modular top plate may be used to clamp thedesired quantity of parts utilizing standard collets, V blocks or avariety of other holding devices. A custom top plate could also beeasily developed to meet the needs of a special application. Whethercustom or a standard design, the system can accommodate at least aboutan 80 movement site matrix, a 160 movement site matrix, or even a 200movement site matrix.

[0050] In keeping with the broad goal of allowing for the ease,efficiency and safety of loading and unloading outside of the workenvironment, FIG. 1 illustrates that one pallet can be loaded orunloaded on the transfer table (2) while the other pallet is beingmachined. The table can serve as one type of a separate detachableworkholder web configured transfer element. The system's hydrauliclocking and unlocking mechanism can allow the operator to load a pallet,lock the parts in place, remove the hydraulic hoses and then load itinto the machining environment. The accumulator (24) and pilot operatedcheck valve (22) keep the parts locked. This ability to load and unloadoutside of the work environment can reduce operator fatigue becausehe/she can be able to load and unload the pallet while it is on thetransfer table instead of leaning into the machining center or the like.Operator efficiency can be also improved by allowing the operator to beavailable to perform other duties while the parts are being machined.Safety is enhanced because the operator can be out of harms way from themachine being accidentally started, thus reducing possible injury. Theoperator can also be protected from the environment of the cuttingfluids sprayed inside of the machine by minimizing the time that theoperator is in the work environment.

[0051] By using multiple webs, the system can provide a rotatable palletsystem. These pallets can be a preset pallet system, a multipleidentical pallet system, a multiple hydraulic pallet system, or otherconfiguration. Operators may rotate between more than one workholderweb. At the transfer table, the second pallet may have its own separatesupply of power or may have a connection to the main power system thatpowers (or merely charges) the movement web. There may even beperipheral hydraulic componentry at the remote location.

[0052] In keeping with the broad goal to improve operator efficiencywhile loading and unloading parts onto the pallet, the system canprovide for the simultaneous, automatic clamping and releasing of allparts. When the remote mounted control valve (5) is moved to the lockposition, all of the parts may be locked in place. When the releaseposition is selected, the flow of hydraulic fluid is reversed releasingthe hydraulic lock and providing hydraulic pressure to the opposite sideof the piston pushing the holding device into the unlock position. Thusthe system may include a positive release element (43) to affirmativelyrelease the parts. This may be through a reverse force element or eventhrough some type of bias element (44). As one type of a reverse forceelement, the system may include bi-directional movement mechanisms suchas a bi-directional hydraulic cylinder as shown. This provides theadvantage of improving operator efficiency by providing automatic andnearly instantaneous locking and unlocking of all parts. It alsoprevents the holding device from sticking by providing a positive andsuitable force to release the holding mechanisms. The system can alsoreduce or eliminate the risk to the operator of carpel tunnel beingcaused by the repetitive mechanical clamping and unclamping of parts ona pallet.

[0053] In keeping with the broad goal of accommodating multiple methodsof holding suitable to most any part, the system can provide a varietyof options to meet this goal. First, the modular top plate can provideeasy and quick linkage to the bi-directional hydraulic pistons (11) thatcan accommodate a wide variety of standard holding devices; for example,the system can provide for the easy setup with standard off the shelf 3Cor 5C collets. This embodiment of the modular top plate will hold 1 to80 3C or 5C collets. The collet housing (33) of either collet can besecured to the top plate with a 3C/5C lockdown flange (34) connected tothe standard holding pattern of the modular top plate. The collet (31)can be connected to the 3C/5C adapter (32) that can be connected to thepiston linkage (18) and then the hydraulic piston (11). The collet canbe easily exchanged to the size appropriate for the part to be machined.Other examples include the collet housing cross-hole module (FIGS. 13 &14) and the V block module (FIG. 10). The modular top plate can alsoutilize a variety of other holding devices (swing arms, edge locks, overcenter clamping, etc.) to hold a wide range of parts. Second, the systemcan provide for easy development of custom top plates. The plates can beprepared for easy and accurate attachment to the hydraulic plate. A widevariety of standard holding devices (as mentioned above) can be attachedto the custom plate to meet the specific need. Thirdly, custom fixturingcan be developed for mounting on either the modular top plate or thecustom top plate. The system can complete much of the required work byproviding a source of mechanical movement and pressure (such as from thehydraulic cylinders as the like) and a mounting base (such as a utilityor custom top plate). The system can accommodate clamping by pushing orpulling, expanding or contracting; parts may be held externally orinternally, in the vertical or horizontal position or a combination ofboth or any position; parts may be held by means of a sideways motion,swing motion, turning motion, teetering motion, over center motion,lever motioning, pushing motion or pulling motion, or any other motions.

[0054] In keeping with the broad goal to provide quick setup changeoverfrom one part to another, the system can offer many different options.Since the system can be palletized, different parts can be set up ondifferent pallets allowing for nearly instantaneous changeover from onepart to another. One pallet simply needs to be removed and replaced withthe other pallet. If the tooling is in the machine and the program isstored, change over from one part to another can require only a fewminutes. Another possibility is that multiple top plates can be set upand left set up for specific parts. When needed, the appropriate topplates can be quickly and accurately attached to the hydraulic platesand then exchanged when the job is complete. Another possibility is thatsince the pallet can accommodate many different kinds of clamping at thesame time, different parts may be clamped on the same pallet and therebyone work center can supply multiple production cells with parts asneeded. Another possibility is that one part may be clamped on a palletin multiple ways to accommodate the different operations required for aparticular part. After the machining cycle is complete, the parts can berotated to the next operation on the pallet or removed if complete. Thiscould allow for making a complete or more complete part reducing theoverall lead-time and allowing for a continuous flow of parts. Anotherpossibility is that the setup person may set the tooling for a givenpart to a fixed datum point on the pallet top plate and document thetooling requirements. When at a later time the part is to be set upagain, since the parts position has been previously established, setuptime may be minimized. Yet another possibility is that with a modulartop plate, the 3C/5C top plate or other custom top plates, so much ofthe work of holding and fixturing can be done that even custom fixturingcan be done accurately and efficiently minimizing changeover time. Thesesystems may even have an unused location. This is possible in partbecause in one embodiment, the powering of the movement mechanisms canbe accomplished internally to said topographically fixed movement web.The system may include an internal movement web, that is a web in whichwhen configured for use, movement can be out of the way so that if aposition is unused, the movement would not interfere with the part heldin place regardless of its position. Thus it is possible to avoid use ofat least one of the movement mechanisms.

[0055] Another important aspect of the invention is the ability to keepthe pallet independent of the hydraulic power pack while it is in thework environment. As stated above, the pallet can be charged withhydraulic pressure and then the pressure may be maintained in the palletafter it is disconnected from the hydraulic pump. This can provideseveral benefits. It can allow for easier and faster removal andexchange of the two pallets. There may be no hydraulic lines connectedto the pallet while it is being moved in or out of the machiningenvironment which makes moving it simpler and easier and also does notlimit the distance that the pallet can be moved. This can also reducethe overall cost of the unit because only one power pack may berequired. Keeping the power pack out of the work environment can alsominimize the wear and tear on the unit and the hydraulic lines.

[0056] Another important aspect of the invention can be that it mayallow a person with only average skill to set up complex holdingsystems. The modular top plate can accommodate many types of parts. Evencomplex custom holding fixtures can be created more quickly andefficiently. The power (hydraulic to mechanical) to operate customholding devices and the means to locate and fasten the device can beintegral to the system and therefore much of the work necessary indeveloping a custom fixture may be already done.

[0057] An important aspect of this invention is its ability to functionas a complete system of palletized work holding. As stated above, thereare other inventions that accomplish one or more of the functions ofthis system but yet lack the versatility and adaptability necessary.This invention is a flexible system that has the capability of holdingmost any part securely, carefully and accurately; it can accommodateclamping one or large numbers of parts; it can provide the opportunityto load and unload parts outside of the work environment; it can providesimultaneous, automatic clamping of all parts; it can accommodatemultiple methods of holding suitable to most any part; it can providefor quick setup changeover from one type of part to another; it canallow for developing custom fixture holding quickly and efficiently.These aspects are important individually and some of them are uniqueindividually but collectively they form a powerful system that can makea significant contribution to the work holding demands of today's quickresponse market.

[0058] As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basicconcepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways.It involves both work holding techniques as well as devices toaccomplish the appropriate work holding. In this application, thetechniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved bythe various devices described and as steps which are inherent toutilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devicesas intended and described. In addition, while some devices aredisclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplishcertain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly,as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood tobe encompassed by this disclosure.

[0059] The discussion included in this provisional application isintended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be awarethat the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodimentspossible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explainthe generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how eachfeature or element can actually be representative of a broader functionor of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again,these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention isdescribed in device-oriented terminology, each element of the deviceimplicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only beincluded for the device described, but also method, business method, andprocess claims may be included to address the functions the inventionand each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminologyis intended to limit the scope of the claims which may be included.

[0060] It should also be understood that a variety of changes may bemade without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changesare also implicitly included in the description. They still fall withinthe scope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing both theexplicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternativeembodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like areencompassed by this disclosure.

[0061] Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claimsmay also be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should beunderstood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of anembodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment,or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, itshould be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of theinvention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalentapparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result isthe same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should beconsidered to be encompassed in the description of each element oraction. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit theimplicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As butone example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressedas a means for taking that action or as an element which causes thataction. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understoodto encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical elementfacilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, thedisclosure of a “clamp” should be understood to encompass disclosure ofthe act of “clamping”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and,conversely, were there only disclosure of the act of “clamping”, such adisclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “clamp” andeven a “means for clamping” Such changes and alternative terms are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

[0062] Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in thisapplication for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. Inaddition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless itsutilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood asincorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, andsynonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's UnabridgedDictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference. As tothe references incorporated by reference, however, to the extent thatsuch information or statements incorporated by reference might beconsidered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s)such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by theapplicant(s).

[0063] Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have disclosure toclaim at least: i) each of the holding systems as herein disclosed anddescribed, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii)similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of thesedevices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish eachof the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) thosealternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functionsshown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed anddescribed, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate andindependent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the varioussystems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products producedby such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantiallyas described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanyingexamples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of theelements disclosed, and xi) each dependent claim as a dependency on eachand every one of the independent claims presented. In this regard itshould be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoidadding potentially hundreds of claims, the applicant has presented theclaims with initial dependencies only. Support should be understood toexist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but notlimited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United StatesPatent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of anyof the various dependencies or other elements presented under oneindependent claim as dependencies or elements under any otherindependent claim.

[0064] Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase“comprising” should be understood as used to maintain the “open-end”claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus,unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that theterm “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, areintended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group ofelements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step orgroup of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in theirmost expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coveragelegally permissible.

[0065] The claims set forth in this specification by are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentcontinuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, orto obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to complywith the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty,and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during theentire pendency of this application including any subsequentcontinuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof orany reissue or extension thereon. INCORPORATED REFERENCES DOCUMENTFILING NO. DATE NAME CLASS SUBCLASS DATE 4,151,984 May 01, 1979 Zapart269 9 May 14, 1978 4,153,239 May 08, 1979 La Rocco 269 287 Aug. 29, 19774,611,960 Sep. 16, 1986 Quenneville, et al 409 234 Jan. 25, 19854,898,238 Feb. 06, 1990 Grantom 166 75.1 Jun. 1, 1988 5,619,818 Apr. 15,1997 Fredericksen 43 4 Aug. 28, 1995 5,647,707 Jul. 15, 1997 Poulin 409189 Dec. 19, 1994 5,743,685 Apr. 28, 1998 Piggott 409 131 Jun. 2, 19946,062,554 May 16, 2000 Leonard 269 153 Nov. 5, 1998 6,099,215 Aug. 8,2000 Piggott 409 131 Feb. 17, 1998 6,149,357 Nov. 21, 2000 Skellon 409132 Nov. 12, 1999 6,149,358 Nov. 21, 2000 Montague 409 225 Jun. 4, 19996,174,114 Jan. 16, 2001 Stark 409 225 Feb. 13, 1998 6,206,622 B1 Mar.21, 2001 Witte, et al. 409 225 Jun. 17, 1999

What is claimed is:
 1. A versatile palletized work holder systemcomprising: a. a source of power; b. a topographically fixed movementweb responsive to said source of power; c. a plurality of movementmechanisms responsive to said topographically fixed movement web andsaid source of power; d. a detachable workholder web responsive to atleast one of said plurality of movement mechanisms; e. a plurality ofattachment elements having a fixed relationship to said detachableworkholder web; and f. at least one workholder device responsive to atleast one of said attachment elements and at least one of said pluralityof movement mechanisms.
 2. A versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 1 and further comprising a topographically fixedlocation element to which both said topographically fixed movement weband said detachable workholder web are responsive.
 3. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 1 wherein saidsource of power comprises a hydraulic power source.
 4. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 1 wherein saidsource of power comprises an electric power source.
 5. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4wherein said topographically fixed movement web comprises an integralpower delivery web.
 6. A versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein said topographically fixedmovement web comprises an internal movement web.
 7. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4wherein said topographically fixed movement web comprises a multi-sitemovement web.
 8. A versatile palletized work holder system as describedin claim 7 wherein said multi-site movement web comprises a multi-siteintegral power delivery, internal movement web.
 9. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 7 wherein saidmulti-site movement web comprises a movement site matrix.
 10. Aversatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 9 whereinsaid movement site matrix comprises a movement site matrix selected froma group consisting of at least about an 80 movement site matrix, atleast about an 160 movement site matrix, and at least about an 200movement site matrix.
 11. A versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 3 wherein said topographically fixed movement webcomprises a fluid connection element.
 12. A versatile palletized workholder system as described in claim 11 wherein said fluid connectionelement comprises a interconnected fluid path.
 13. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 11 wherein saidfluid connection element comprises at least two independent fluid paths.14. A versatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 11wherein said fluid connection element comprises a fluid manifold.
 15. Aversatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 11 whereinsaid fluid connection element comprises at least two independent fluidmanifolds.
 16. A versatile palletized work holder system as described inclaim 15 wherein said at least two independent fluid manifolds compriseat least two opposite direction fluid manifolds.
 17. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 14 wherein saidfluid manifold comprises a hydraulic fluid manifold.
 18. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4wherein said detachable workholder web comprises a workholder webselected from a group consisting of a workholder device site matrix, acustom workholder device site web, and a custom workholder device siteweb coordinated with an underlying site matrix.
 19. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 8 wherein saiddetachable workholder web comprises a workholder web selected from agroup consisting of a workholder device site matrix, a custom workholderdevice site web, and a custom workholder device site web coordinatedwith an underlying site matrix.
 20. A versatile palletized work holdersystem as described in claim 18 wherein said detachable workholder webcomprises a workholder web selected from a group consisting of at leastabout an 80 site workholder web matrix, at least about an 160 siteworkholder web matrix, and at least about an 200 site workholder webmatrix.
 21. A versatile palletized work holder system as described inclaim 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein said plurality of movement mechanismscomprise a plurality of bi-directional movement mechanisms.
 22. Aversatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 3 whereinsaid plurality of movement mechanisms comprise a plurality of movementmechanisms selected from a group consisting of a plurality of hydrauliccylinders, a plurality of hydraulic pistons, and a plurality ofbi-directional hydraulic movement mechanisms.
 23. A versatile palletizedwork holder system as described in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein saidplurality of movement mechanisms comprise a plurality of resettabledirection elements.
 24. A versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 23 wherein said plurality of resettable directionelements comprise a plurality of resettable direction elements selectedfrom a group consisting of a removable element, a removable block, and aremovable piston linkage.
 25. A versatile palletized work holder systemas described in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein said plurality of movementmechanisms comprise a plurality of positive release elements.
 26. Aversatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 8 whereinsaid plurality of movement mechanisms comprise a plurality of positiverelease elements.
 27. A versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 25 wherein said plurality of positive releaseelements comprise a plurality of bias elements.
 28. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 25 wherein saidplurality of positive release elements comprise a plurality of reverseforce elements.
 29. A versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 8 wherein said plurality of positive release elementscomprise a plurality of reverse force elements.
 30. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4wherein said detachable workholder web comprises an unused location. 31.A versatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 1, 2, 3,or 4 wherein said detachable workholder web comprises a movementweb-coordinated detachable workholder web.
 32. A versatile palletizedwork holder system as described in claim 31 wherein said detachableworkholder web comprises a substantially 1:1 movement web-coordinateddetachable workholder web, and wherein said workholder devices comprisea substantially 1:1 movement mechanism-coordinated plurality ofworkholder devices.
 33. A versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 8 wherein said detachable workholder web comprises asubstantially 1:1 movement web-coordinated detachable workholder web,and wherein said workholder devices comprise a substantially 1:1movement mechanism-coordinated plurality of workholder devices.
 34. Aversatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 19 whereinsaid detachable workholder web comprises a substantially 1:1 movementweb-coordinated detachable workholder web, and wherein said workholderdevices comprise a substantially 1:1 movement mechanism-coordinatedplurality of workholder devices.
 35. A versatile palletized work holdersystem as described in claim 23 wherein said detachable workholder webcomprises a substantially 1:1 movement web-coordinated detachableworkholder web, and wherein said workholder devices comprise asubstantially 1:1 movement mechanism-coordinated plurality of workholderdevices.
 36. A versatile palletized work holder system as described inclaim 25 wherein said detachable workholder web comprises asubstantially 1:1 movement web-coordinated detachable workholder web,and wherein said workholder devices comprise a substantially 1:1movement mechanism-coordinated plurality of workholder devices.
 37. Aversatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 26 whereinsaid detachable workholder web comprises a substantially 1:1 movementweb-coordinated detachable workholder web, and wherein said workholderdevices comprise a substantially 1:1 movement mechanism-coordinatedplurality of workholder devices.
 38. A versatile palletized work holdersystem as described in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein said detachableworkholder web comprises at least one quick disconnect coupling.
 39. Aversatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 38 whereinsaid at least one quick disconnect coupling comprises at least onehydraulic quick disconnect coupling.
 40. A versatile palletized workholder system as described in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein saiddetachable workholder web comprises a part of a rotatable pallet system.41. A versatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 18wherein said detachable workholder web comprises a part of a rotatablepallet system.
 42. A versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein said detachable workholder webcomprises a part of a preset pallet system.
 43. A versatile palletizedwork holder system as described in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein saiddetachable workholder web comprises a part of a multiple identicalpallet system.
 44. A versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 43 wherein said multiple identical pallet systemcomprises a multiple hydraulic pallet system.
 45. A versatile palletizedwork holder system as described in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein saiddetachable workholder web comprises a position lock element to whichsaid workholder devices are responsive.
 46. A versatile palletized workholder system as described in claim 8 wherein said detachable workholderweb comprises a web containing an element selected from a groupconsisting of a position lock element, an accumulator, a pressuremonitor, and a check valve.
 47. A versatile palletized work holdersystem as described in claim 19 wherein said detachable workholder webcomprises a web containing an element selected from a group consistingof a position lock element, an accumulator, a pressure monitor, and acheck valve.
 48. A versatile palletized work holder system as describedin claim 23 wherein said detachable workholder web comprises a webcontaining an element selected from a group consisting of a positionlock element, an accumulator, a pressure monitor, and a check valve. 49.A versatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 25wherein said detachable workholder web comprises a web containing anelement selected from a group consisting of a position lock element, anaccumulator, a pressure monitor, and a check valve.
 50. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 26 wherein saiddetachable workholder web comprises a web containing an element selectedfrom a group consisting of a position lock element, an accumulator, apressure monitor, and a check valve.
 51. A versatile palletized workholder system as described in claim 38 wherein said detachableworkholder web comprises a web containing an element selected from agroup consisting of a position lock element, an accumulator, a pressuremonitor, and a check valve.
 52. A versatile palletized work holdersystem as described in claim 45 wherein said detachable workholder webcomprises an accumulator.
 53. A versatile palletized work holder systemas described in claim 45 wherein said detachable workholder webcomprises a check valve.
 54. A versatile palletized work holder systemas described in claim 53 wherein said check valve comprises a pilotoperated check valve.
 55. A versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 45 wherein said detachable workholder web furthercomprises a pressure monitor.
 56. A versatile palletized work holdersystem as described in claim 55 wherein said pressure monitor comprisesa pressure monitor selected from a group consisting of a pressuredisplay, a pressure flag indicator, and a pressure threshold light. 57.A versatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 1, 2, 3,or 4 wherein said at least one workholder device comprises a pluralityof identical workholder devices.
 58. A versatile palletized work holdersystem as described in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein said at least oneworkholder device comprises a plurality of at least some differentworkholder devices.
 59. A versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 1 wherein said at least one workholder devicecomprises a plurality of workholder devices, each comprising a uniformworkholder device mount.
 60. A versatile palletized work holder systemas described in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 59 wherein said at least oneworkholder device comprises a workholder device selected from a groupconsisting of a collet, a strap, an edge device, a swing device, a Vblock, a custom clamp, a swing arm, an edge lock, an over center clamp,a modular collet housing, a collet housing, a cross-hole module, a Vblock module, a 3C clamp device, and a 5C clamp device.
 61. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 59wherein said at least one workholder device comprises a workholderdevice selected from a group consisting of a push device, a pull device,an expansion device, a contraction device, an external holder device, aninternal holder device, vertical position holder device, a horizontalposition holder device, a sideways motion device, a swing motion device,a turning motion device, a teetering motion device, an over centermotion device, a lever motion device, a pushing motion device, and apulling motion device.
 62. A versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 and further comprising a separatedetachable workholder web configured transfer element.
 63. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 8 and furthercomprising a separate detachable workholder web configured transferelement.
 64. A versatile palletized work holder system as described inclaim 18 and further comprising a separate detachable workholder webconfigured transfer element.
 65. A versatile palletized work holdersystem as described in claim 19 and further comprising a separatedetachable workholder web configured transfer element.
 66. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 23 and furthercomprising a separate detachable workholder web configured transferelement.
 67. A versatile palletized work holder system as described inclaim 25 and further comprising a separate detachable workholder webconfigured transfer element.
 68. A versatile palletized work holdersystem as described in claim 38 and further comprising a separatedetachable workholder web configured transfer element.
 69. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 59 and furthercomprising a separate detachable workholder web configured transferelement.
 70. A versatile palletized work holder system as described inclaim 60 and further comprising a separate detachable workholder webconfigured transfer element.
 71. A versatile palletized work holdersystem as described in claim 61 and further comprising a separatedetachable workholder web configured transfer element.
 72. A versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 62 wherein saidseparate detachable workholder web configured transfer element comprisesa position lock element to which said workholder devices are responsive.73. a versatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 72wherein said separate detachable workholder web configured transferelement further comprises an accumulator.
 74. a versatile palletizedwork holder system as described in claim 72 wherein said separatedetachable workholder web configured transfer element further comprisesa check valve.
 75. a versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 74 wherein said separate detachable workholder webconfigured transfer element further comprises a pilot operated checkvalve.
 76. a versatile palletized work holder system as described inclaim 72 wherein said separate detachable workholder web configuredtransfer element comprises a pressure monitor.
 77. a versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 76 wherein saidpressure monitor comprises a pressure monitor selected from a groupconsisting of a pressure display, a pressure flag indicator, and apressure threshold light.
 78. a versatile palletized work holder systemas described in claim 72 wherein said position lock element to whichsaid workholder devices are responsive comprises a hydraulic holdelement.
 79. a versatile palletized work holder system as described inclaim 72 wherein said separate detachable workholder web configuredtransfer element comprises a separate supply of power.
 80. a versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 63 wherein saidseparate detachable workholder web configured transfer element comprisesa separate supply of power.
 81. a versatile palletized work holdersystem as described in claim 64 wherein said separate detachableworkholder web configured transfer element comprises a separate supplyof power.
 82. a versatile palletized work holder system as described inclaim 66 wherein said separate detachable workholder web configuredtransfer element comprises a separate supply of power.
 83. a versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 67 wherein saidseparate detachable workholder web configured transfer element comprisesa separate supply of power.
 84. a versatile palletized work holdersystem as described in claim 71 wherein said separate detachableworkholder web configured transfer element comprises a separate supplyof power.
 85. a versatile palletized work holder system as described inclaim 72 wherein said separate detachable workholder web configuredtransfer element comprises peripheral hydraulic componentry.
 86. aversatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 72 whereinsaid separate detachable workholder web configured transfer elementcomprises a connection to said supply of power.
 87. a versatilepalletized work holder system as described in claim 63 wherein saidseparate detachable workholder web configured transfer element comprisesa connection to said supply of power.
 88. a versatile palletized workholder system as described in claim 64 wherein said separate detachableworkholder web configured transfer element comprises a connection tosaid supply of power.
 89. a versatile palletized work holder system asdescribed in claim 66 wherein said separate detachable workholder webconfigured transfer element comprises a connection to said supply ofpower.
 90. a versatile palletized work holder system as described inclaim 67 wherein said separate detachable workholder web configuredtransfer element comprises a connection to said supply of power.
 91. aversatile palletized work holder system as described in claim 71 whereinsaid separate detachable workholder web configured transfer elementcomprises a connection to said supply of power.
 92. A method ofpalletized work holding comprising the steps of: a. attaching aplurality of workholder devices to a detachable workholder web; b.establishing a plurality of movement mechanisms fixed relative to atopographically fixed movement web; c. detachably positioning saiddetachable workholder web responsive to said topographically fixedmovement web; d. powering said plurality of movement mechanisms; e.actuating said plurality of workholder devices by said plurality ofmovement mechanisms; and f. retaining at least one item in a fixedposition relative to said detachable workholder web through action of atleast one of said of workholder devices.
 93. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 92 and further comprising the step ofaccurately assuring repeatedly precise positioning between saidplurality of workholder devices and said plurality of movementmechanisms.
 94. A method of palletized work holding as described inclaim 92 wherein said step of powering said plurality of movementmechanisms comprises the step of hydraulically powering said pluralityof movement mechanisms.
 95. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 92 wherein said step of powering said plurality ofmovement mechanisms comprises the step of electrically powering saidplurality of movement mechanisms.
 96. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 wherein said step ofpowering said plurality of movement mechanisms comprises the step ofpowering said plurality of movement mechanisms integral to saidtopographically fixed movement web.
 97. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 wherein said step ofpowering said plurality of movement mechanisms comprises the step ofpowering said plurality of movement mechanisms internally to saidtopographically fixed movement web.
 98. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 wherein said step ofestablishing a plurality of movement mechanisms fixed relative to atopographically fixed movement web comprises the step of establishing amulti-site movement web.
 99. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 98 wherein said step of powering said plurality ofmovement mechanisms comprises the step of powering said plurality ofmovement mechanisms integral to and internally to said topographicallyfixed movement web.
 100. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 98 wherein said step of establishing a multi-sitemovement web comprises the step of establishing a movement site matrix.101. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim 100wherein said step of establishing a movement site matrix comprises thestep of establishing a movement site matrix selected from a groupconsisting of at least about an 80 movement site matrix, at least aboutan 160 movement site matrix, and at least about an 200 movement sitematrix.
 102. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim94 wherein said step of powering said plurality of movement mechanismscomprises the step of fluidly connecting a plurality of said movementmechanisms.
 103. A method of palletized work holding as described inclaim 102 wherein said step of fluidly connecting a plurality of saidmovement mechanisms comprises the step of interconnecting a multitude offluid paths.
 104. A method of palletized work holding as described inclaim 102 wherein said step of fluidly connecting a plurality of saidmovement mechanisms comprises the steps of: a. interconnecting a firstfluid path; and b. interconnecting a second fluid path.
 105. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 102 wherein said step offluidly connecting a plurality of said movement mechanisms comprises thestep of establishing a fluid manifold.
 106. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 102 wherein said step of fluidlyconnecting a plurality of said movement mechanisms comprises the step ofestablishing at least two independent fluid manifolds.
 107. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 106 wherein said step ofestablishing at least two independent fluid manifolds comprises the stepof establishing two opposite direction fluid manifolds.
 108. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 105 wherein said step ofestablishing a fluid manifold comprises the step of establishing ahydraulic fluid manifold.
 109. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 wherein said step of attaching aplurality of workholder devices to a detachable workholder web comprisesthe step of attaching a plurality of workholder devices to a workholderweb selected from a group consisting of a workholder device site matrix,a custom workholder device site web, and a custom workholder device siteweb coordinated with an underlying site matrix.
 110. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 99 wherein said step ofattaching a plurality of workholder devices to a detachable workholderweb comprises the step of attaching a plurality of workholder devices toa workholder web selected from a group consisting of a workholder devicesite matrix, a custom workholder device site web, and a customworkholder device site web coordinated with an underlying site matrix.111. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim 109wherein said step of attaching a plurality of workholder devices to adetachable workholder web comprises the step of attaching a plurality ofworkholder devices to a workholder web selected from a group consistingof at least about an 80 site workholder web matrix, at least about an160 site workholder web matrix, and at least about an 200 siteworkholder web matrix.
 112. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 wherein said step of establishing aplurality of movement mechanisms fixed relative to a topographicallyfixed movement web comprises the step of establishing a plurality ofbidirectional movement mechanisms.
 113. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 94 wherein said step of establishing aplurality of movement mechanisms fixed relative to a topographicallyfixed movement web comprises—the step of establishing a plurality ofmovement mechanisms selected from a group consisting of a plurality ofhydraulic cylinders, a plurality of hydraulic pistons, and a pluralityof bi-directional hydraulic movement mechanisms.
 114. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 whereinsaid step of establishing a plurality of movement mechanisms fixedrelative to a topographically fixed movement web comprises the step ofutilizing a plurality of resettable direction elements.
 115. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 114 wherein said step ofutilizing a plurality of resettable direction elements comprises thestep of utilizing a plurality of resettable direction elements selectedfrom a group consisting of a removable element, a removable block, and aremovable piston linkage.
 116. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 and further comprising the step ofpositively releasing said at least one item which had been retained in afixed position.
 117. A method of palletized work holding as described inclaim 99 and further comprising the step of positively releasing said atleast one item which had been retained in a fixed position.
 118. Amethod of palletized work holding as described in claim 116 wherein saidstep of positively releasing said at least one item which had beenretained in a fixed position comprises the step of biasing at least oneworkholder device.
 119. A method of palletized work holding as describedin claim 116 wherein said step of positively releasing said at least oneitem which had been retained in a fixed position comprises the step ofreversing forces on at least one of said workholder devices.
 120. Amethod of palletized work holding as described in claim 99 wherein saidstep of positively releasing said at least one item which had beenretained in a fixed position comprises the step of reversing forces onat least one of said workholder devices.
 121. A method of palletizedwork holding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 wherein said stepof actuating said plurality of workholder devices by said plurality ofmovement mechanisms comprises the step of avoiding use of at least oneof said plurality of movement mechanisms.
 122. A method of palletizedwork holding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 wherein said stepof detachably positioning said detachable workholder web comprises thestep of coordinating said detachable workholder web and saidtopographically fixed movement web.
 123. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 122 wherein said step of detachablypositioning said detachable workholder web comprises the step ofsubstantially 1:1 coordinating said detachable workholder web to saidtopographically fixed movement web.
 124. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 99 wherein said step of detachablypositioning said detachable workholder web comprises the step ofsubstantially 1:1 coordinating said detachable workholder web to saidtopographically fixed movement web.
 125. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 110 wherein said step of detachablypositioning said detachable workholder web comprises the step ofsubstantially 1:1 coordinating said detachable workholder web to saidtopographically fixed movement web.
 126. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 114 wherein said step of detachablypositioning said detachable workholder web comprises the step ofsubstantially 1:1 coordinating said detachable workholder web to saidtopographically fixed movement web.
 127. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 116 wherein said step of detachablypositioning said detachable workholder web comprises the step ofsubstantially 1:1 coordinating said detachable workholder web to saidtopographically fixed movement web.
 128. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 117 wherein said step of detachablypositioning said detachable workholder web comprises the step ofsubstantially 1:1 coordinating said detachable workholder web to saidtopographically fixed movement web.
 129. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 wherein said step ofdetachably positioning said detachable workholder web comprises the stepof accomplishing a single positioning operation.
 130. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 whereinsaid step of detachably positioning said detachable workholder webcomprises the step of operating at least one quick disconnect device.131. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim 130wherein said step of operating at least one quick disconnect devicecomprises the step of operating at least one hydraulic quick disconnectdevice.
 132. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim92, 93, 94, or 95 and further comprising the step of rotating use of aplurality of workholder webs.
 133. A method of palletized work holdingas described in claim 109 and further comprising the step of rotatinguse of a plurality of workholder webs.
 134. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 and further comprisingthe step of utilizing a preset pallet system.
 135. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 andfurther comprising the step of utilizing a multiple identical palletsystem.
 136. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim135 and further comprising the step of utilizing a multiple hydraulicpallet system.
 137. A method of palletized work holding as described inclaim 92, 93, 94, or 95 and further comprising the steps of: a. removingsaid detachable workholder web from said topographically fixed movementweb; b. locking said plurality of workholder devices in a lockedposition; and c. retaining said plurality of workholder devices in saidlocked position after accomplishing said step of removing saiddetachable workholder web from said topographically fixed movement web.138. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim 99wherein said step of locking said plurality of workholder devices in alocked position comprises the step of utilizing an element selected froma group consisting of a position lock element, an accumulator, apressure monitor, and a check valve.
 139. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 110 wherein said step of locking saidplurality of workholder devices in a locked position comprises the stepof utilizing an element selected from a group consisting of a positionlock element, an accumulator, a pressure monitor, and a check valve.140. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim 114wherein said step of locking said plurality of workholder devices in alocked position comprises the step of utilizing an element selected froma group consisting of a position lock element, an accumulator, apressure monitor, and a check valve.
 141. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 116 wherein said step of locking saidplurality of workholder devices in a locked position comprises the stepof utilizing an element selected from a group consisting of a positionlock element, an accumulator, a pressure monitor, and a check valve.142. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim 117wherein said step of locking said plurality of workholder devices in alocked position comprises the step of utilizing an element selected froma group consisting of a position lock element, an accumulator, apressure monitor, and a check valve.
 143. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 130 wherein said step of locking saidplurality of workholder devices in a locked position comprises the stepof utilizing an element selected from a group consisting of a positionlock element, an accumulator, a pressure monitor, and a check valve.144. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim 137wherein said step of locking said plurality of workholder devices in alocked position comprises the step of utilizing an accumulator.
 145. Amethod of palletized work holding as described in claim 137 wherein saidstep of locking said plurality of workholder devices in a lockedposition comprises the step of utilizing a check valve.
 146. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 145 wherein said step ofutilizing a check valve comprises the step of utilizing a pilot operatedcheck valve.
 147. A method of palletized work holding as described inclaim 137 and further comprising the step of monitoring a pressure towhich said workholder devices are responsive while accomplishing saidstep of retaining said plurality of workholder devices in said lockedposition after accomplishing said step of removing said detachableworkholder web from said topographically fixed movement web.
 148. Amethod of palletized work holding as described in claim 147 wherein saidstep of monitoring a pressure to which said workholder devices areresponsive comprises the step of utilizing a pressure monitor selectedfrom a group consisting of a pressure display, a pressure flagindicator, and a pressure threshold light.
 149. A method of palletizedwork holding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 wherein said stepof attaching a plurality of workholder devices to a detachableworkholder web comprises the step of utilizing a plurality of identicalworkholder devices.
 150. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 wherein said step of attaching aplurality of workholder devices to a detachable workholder web comprisesthe step of utilizing a plurality of at least some different workholderdevices.
 151. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim92 wherein said step of attaching a plurality of workholder devices to adetachable workholder web comprises the step of utilizing a uniformworkholder device mount.
 152. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 92, 93, 94, 95, or 151 wherein said step of attachinga plurality of workholder devices to a detachable workholder webcomprises the step of utilizing a workholder device selected from agroup consisting of a collet, a strap, an edge device, a swing device, aV block, a custom clamp, a swing arm, an edge lock, an over centerclamp, a modular collet housing, a collet housing, a cross-hole module,a V block module, a 3C clamp device, and a 5C clamp device.
 153. Amethod of palletized work holding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, 95,or 151 wherein said step of attaching a plurality of workholder devicesto a detachable workholder web comprises the step of utilizing aworkholder device selected from a group consisting of a push device, apull device, an expansion device, a contraction device, an externalholder device, an internal holder device, vertical position holderdevice, a horizontal position holder device, a sideways motion device, aswing motion device, a turning motion device, a teetering motion device,an over center motion device, a lever motion device, a pushing motiondevice, and a pulling motion device.
 154. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 92, 93, 94, or 95 and further comprisingthe step of remotely holding said plurality of workholder devices. 155.A method of palletized work holding as described in claim 99 and furthercomprising the step of remotely holding said plurality of workholderdevices.
 156. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim109 and further comprising the step of remotely holding said pluralityof workholder devices.
 157. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 110 and further comprising the step of remotelyholding said plurality of workholder devices.
 158. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 114 and further comprisingthe step of remotely holding said plurality of workholder devices. 159.A method of palletized work holding as described in claim 116 andfurther comprising the step of remotely holding said plurality ofworkholder devices.
 160. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 130 and further comprising the step of remotelyholding said plurality of workholder devices.
 161. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 151 and further comprisingthe step of remotely holding said plurality of workholder devices. 162.A method of palletized work holding as described in claim 152 andfurther comprising the step of remotely holding said plurality ofworkholder devices.
 163. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 153 and further comprising the step of remotelyholding said plurality of workholder devices.
 164. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 154 wherein said step ofstep of remotely holding said plurality of workholder devices comprisesthe steps of: a. removing said detachable workholder web from saidtopographically fixed movement web; b. locking said plurality ofworkholder devices in a locked position; and c. retaining said pluralityof workholder devices in said locked position after accomplishing saidstep of removing said detachable workholder web from saidtopographically fixed movement web.
 165. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 164 wherein said step of locking saidplurality of workholder devices in a locked position comprises the stepof utilizing an accumulator.
 166. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 164 wherein said step of locking said plurality ofworkholder devices in a locked position comprises the step of utilizinga check valve.
 167. A method of palletized work holding as described inclaim 166 wherein said step of utilizing a check valve comprises thestep of utilizing a pilot operated check valve.
 168. A method ofpalletized work holding as described in claim 164 and further comprisingthe step of monitoring a pressure to which said workholder devices areresponsive while accomplishing said step of retaining said plurality ofworkholder devices in said locked position after accomplishing said stepof removing said detachable workholder web from said topographicallyfixed movement web.
 169. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 168 wherein said step of monitoring a pressure towhich said workholder devices are responsive comprises the step ofutilizing a pressure monitor selected from a group consisting of apressure display, a pressure flag indicator, and a pressure thresholdlight.
 170. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim154 wherein said step of remotely holding said plurality of workholderdevices comprises the step of hydraulically locking said plurality ofworkholder devices in a locked position.
 171. A method of palletizedwork holding as described in claim 164 wherein said step of remotelyholding said plurality of workholder devices comprises the step ofseparately powering said plurality of workholder devices at a remotelocation.
 172. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim155 wherein said step of remotely holding said plurality of workholderdevices comprises the step of separately powering said plurality ofworkholder devices at a remote location.
 173. A method of palletizedwork holding as described in claim 156 wherein said step of remotelyholding said plurality of workholder devices comprises the step ofseparately powering said plurality of workholder devices at a remotelocation.
 174. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim158 wherein said step of remotely holding said plurality of workholderdevices comprises the step of separately powering said plurality ofworkholder devices at a remote location.
 175. A method of palletizedwork holding as described in claim 159 wherein said step of remotelyholding said plurality of workholder devices comprises the step ofseparately powering said plurality of workholder devices at a remotelocation.
 176. A method of palletized work holding as described in claim163 wherein said step of remotely holding said plurality of workholderdevices comprises the step of separately powering said plurality ofworkholder devices at a remote location. 177 A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 164 wherein said step of remotely holdingsaid plurality of workholder devices comprises the step of separatelypowering peripheral hydraulic componentry.
 178. A method of palletizedwork holding as described in claim 164 wherein said step of remotelyholding said plurality of workholder devices comprises the step ofpowering said plurality of workholder devices at a remote location fromthe same source of power used to accomplish said step of powering saidplurality of movement mechanisms.
 179. A method of palletized workholding as described in claim 155 wherein said step of remotely holdingsaid plurality of workholder devices comprises the step of powering saidplurality of workholder devices at a remote location from the samesource of power used to accomplish said step of powering said pluralityof movement mechanisms.
 180. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 156 wherein said step of remotely holding saidplurality of workholder devices comprises the step of powering saidplurality of workholder devices at a remote location from the samesource of power used to accomplish said step of powering said pluralityof movement mechanisms.
 181. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 158 wherein said step of remotely holding saidplurality of workholder devices comprises the step of powering saidplurality of workholder devices at a remote location from the samesource of power used to accomplish said step of powering said pluralityof movement mechanisms.
 182. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 159 wherein said step of remotely holding saidplurality of workholder devices comprises the step of powering saidplurality of workholder devices at a remote location from the samesource of power used to accomplish said step of powering said pluralityof movement mechanisms.
 183. A method of palletized work holding asdescribed in claim 163 wherein said step of remotely holding saidplurality of workholder devices comprises the step of powering saidplurality of workholder devices at a remote location from the samesource of power used to accomplish said step of powering said pluralityof movement mechanisms.